Best Italian Restaurants in St Kilda Melbourne 2026

St Kilda has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Post and Cleo’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 6km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Luna Park, Acland Street, the Esplanade — St Kilda is Melbourne’s most famous bayside suburb. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time St Kilda resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Luna Room — 307 Willow Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Luna Room has been operating in St Kilda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. The Sunny Post — 150 Plenty Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Sunny Post has been operating in St Kilda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Plenty Road is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Theo’s — 269 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: groups

Theo’s has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. The Tall Room — 243 Plenty Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Tall Room has been operating in St Kilda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

St Kilda — The Honest Version

Luna Park, Acland Street, the Esplanade — St Kilda is Melbourne’s most famous bayside suburb. Live music, restaurants, and beach culture. The best italian food options here reflect St Kilda’s character. Whether you’re based in St Kilda or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Sunny Place — 17 Chapel Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Sunny Place has been operating in St Kilda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Willow Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from St Kilda farmers market when it runs.

6. Finn Commons — 159 Willow Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: solo diners

Finn Commons has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The fish special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Assembly — 260 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Assembly has been operating in St Kilda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. The Sunny Mill — 130 Plenty Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Sunny Mill has been operating in St Kilda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elizabeth Place is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Balaclava Best Italian Food — same vibe, different suburb
• St Kilda Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• St Kilda Things to Do — the full activity guide
• St Kilda Complete Guide — everything about St Kilda
• Compare Suburbs — see how St Kilda stacks up
• All St Kilda Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in St Kilda?

Nina Local is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is St Kilda good for best italian food?

Yes. St Kilda has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is St Kilda known for?

Luna Park, Acland Street, the Esplanade — St Kilda is Melbourne’s most famous bayside suburb.

How far is St Kilda from Melbourne CBD?

St Kilda is 6km, 20min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing St Kilda to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026